Umha quantificaçom da dependência agroalimentar exterior da Galiza a partir das tabelas input-output 1998 e 2005

Abstract

This paper aims to quantify the dependence from abroad of the Galician agri-food system using data from input-output tables 1998-2005. The input-output tables are a sound instrument for analyzing food dependence of a regional economy as Galicia since they offer information for the whole foreign trade including regions inside the Spanish State. Despite the quantitative relevance of agriculture in Galician economy -especially in terms of employment- the Commercial Balance for food products presents a deep deficit. In 2005 the coverage rate (exports/imports) stood surroundings of two-thirds. This deficit is largely due to vegetable products, both for human consumption and for animal consumption, and products made of vegetable origin.In spite of their cattle specialization Galicia also have a negative balance of processed products including prepared meat and milk derived. This fact underlines the
scarce development of the agro-industrial sector in Galicia. The results of input-output tables about the agri-food deficit evolution put into question the followed orientations of our agricultural policy. This policy doesn’t counteract the external dependency and put into risk the specialization model of Galician agriculture.